THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION has asked Fifa to allow England players to wear poppies for next month’s friendly with Germany.
Scotland and Wales have also sought permission to sport armbands bearing the symbol for their upcoming exhibition matches, while Northern Ireland have asked to wear them for their World Cup play-off against Switzerland.
All four nations were fined by world football’s governing body in 2016 for displaying poppies on their shirts, as it contravened a regulation regarding the wearing of political or religious insignia.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved a change in the laws in September that would allow them to be worn in matches if both teams and the relevant organisers deemed it appropriate, after FIFA was accused of being heavy-handed in its punishment.
A joint statement issued by the football associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland on Monday praised IFAB’s decision and confirmed requests to wear poppies will be sent.
“It was important that clarity was brought to this issue as it affects many football matches/competitions throughout the world and is particularly helpful in relation to remembrance and poppies,” the statement said.
“In any year when there are international matches in the week leading up to and including Remembrance Sunday, it is the intention of all four home nations to seek permission from the opposition team and Fifa (as the authority responsible for those matches) to display the poppy on armbands.”
England’s friendly against Germany at Wembley takes place on November 10, 24 hours before the annual day of commemoration to honour members of the armed forces killed in the line of duty.
The poppy has been used a recognised symbol of remembrance since the First World War.
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This bloody argument goes on every year and it’s become tiresome as obviously people have opposite opinions but in the end, who cares? The one thing I would say though is that people, especially players, should have the right to choose NOT to wear it without fear of being targeted by the UK media like James McClean was a few years ago. Whatever happened to “it’s a free country”?
@Sloop John G: ( A few years ago ?) He is still vilified and booed at very game. He is a very strong character.
@GARFARKLE: absolutely. I personally think it should be a player’s choice to have it sewn on rather than have it be a big deal if a player doesn’t want to wear one.
I find the whole poppy thing every year part of UK’s propaganda at this stage. Shouldn’t have a place in sport
Albam agus Breatain Beag…. Cé hiad?!
Scotland and Wales…. Who are they?!
@TheJournalAsGaeilge: and so they should. A fantastic mark of respect to brave men who sacrificed their lives for others in the face tyranny and evil!
@Marcodub: and what about all of the others who helped spread evil & tyranny in the name of kindg/queen & country ? The poppy celebrates them too you know & they were the great majority
@Marcodub: tá tú ag caint caca. Bhí na dhá taobhanna olc. Rinneamar an rud ceart. Ag gardáil an síocháin sa tír seo. Seafóid.
You’re talking absolute rubbish. Both were as evil as each other. We did the right thing. Protected the peace here. Senseless murder.
@TheJournalAsGaeilge: so England have requested to wear a symbol against the country in which the symbol glorifies wars against that country. Talk about rubbing it their noses
@Rons: ye is dócha..
I suppose…
They should be banned from the World Cup and other major tournaments for even attempting to wear this, the poppy fascism has gone on long enough.
If passed it should not be held against any player not wanting to wear it if he so wishes ? Many a house hold in Ireland had kids who died in both world wars in poor and difficult times in the world . Let the world go forward in peace , this can only happen in the hearts of all .
@Tricksy: well said
@Tricksy: do Celtic players wear Poppy’s?
And so they should!
@ARZE BANDITO: Gall
@TheJournalAsGaeilge: ceard atà mì cheart leat? Nì thigim an focal “gall”
@ARZE BANDITO: http://www.focloir.ie
Sin seirbhís aistrigh togha.
@ARZE BANDITO: They can ask but the request should be well and truly DENIED.
@TheJournalAsGaeilge:gall nìor chuala mè fein a riamh è fries In?. ach ceapaim go beidir an aistruchàin cèanna nà muineal /( the neck of him or the cheek ) ?
@Patrick Dara Kelly: west Brit
@TheJournalAsGaeilge: do you realise people only laugh when that insult is used. All it shows is that the person using it belongs back in those dark ages with everything else.
@Mick Power: mícheart, nílim ach ag insint an fhírinne.
WRONG! I only tell it like it is…
@Mick Power: agus tá an focal sin in Amhrán na bhFiann. Is cuma linn!
And it’s in the national anthem. We don’t care! It’s the truth!
@TheJournalAsGaeilge: come on now. Ní chiallaíonn ‘gall’ WestBrit. Is é ‘gall’ an Gaeilge ar ‘foreigner’.
Ná bí ag aistriú an teanga i gcóir do chuid dearcaí féin. Ní dhéanann an saghas sin ruda mórán chun an teanga a spreagadh.
Ireland should look forward to a refund of their fine for 1916, if this is allowed.
Fcuk the Queen
@O’Brien Michael: I’d rather not thanks
@Cian Nolan: hehehehehe
McClean haters are coming
Here we go